Naha Dragon Boat Race returns May 3-5

Naha Dragon Boat Race (Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)

Naha Dragon Boat Race is coming back for the 52nd installment.

The three-day event is scheduled from May 3 through 5 at Naha Shinko Pier. The last day May 5 will be a big one because several races involving teams from the U.S. military bases in Okinawa will also join the competition. The women’s team competition will start at noon.

Last year, the organizer said, this event drew 135,000 people in total. According to the Naha City Tourism Association, the crowd size could be 200,000 depending on the year.

There will be lots of festival food vendors to help you boost your energy and root for your team.

Naha Dragon Boat Race is considered one of the three major festivals of Naha City along with Naha Tug of War in October and the Shurijo Castle Festival in late October or early November. So, don’t miss out this big event!

Trivia

The Dragon Boat Race, or “Hari” in Okinawa dialect, has a 600-year history and used to be a national event in the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429-1879). After almost a century-long hiatus, it was brought back to life and has grown into an event that represents Okinawa just like in the old days.

What makes the Naha City race unique is that each boat is big enough to require 32 rowers, two steerers, and two drummers. Normal dragon boats only take 10 rowers and one steerer and one drummer.

Naha Dragon Boat Race

Date: May 3- 5 (Sun. – Tues.)

Time: The first race of the day is scheduled at 10 a.m. on May 3 and 5. While the races on May 3 mainly involve local students, those on the May 5 are adult team competitions including U.S. military community teams

Venue: New Shinko Pier (GPS Coordinates: 26.230106, 127.680786)

*Parking will not be available at the venue. It is advised to use coin-operated parking spaces in the neighboring area or use tours offered by on-base organizations such as MCCS Tours+ (https://www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/dining-entertainment/tours/on-island-tours) and Kadena ITT (https://kadenafss.com/itt).

(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)